Crew boats have no need for AB’s. They hire unlicensed deck crew. Having an AB will look good, but with crew boats not hiring, it really won’t make that much difference I don’t think. Also, paying around $1800 for the 3 classes needed to get an AB isn’t chump change, if it doesn’t mean anything when looking for a job. Boats over 100 tons use AB’s. Crew boats which are essentially ALL under 100 tons don’t need them.
Only the tiniest little bay crew boats will use a 50 ton license. Upgrade to 100 ton to drastically increase your marketability. That said, even with a 100 ton, it is pretty bleak.
There are those of us with plenty of experience in crew boats who can’t get jobs. Loads of crews are laid-off.